There’s no other season quite as whimsical and cheerful as the holidays. If we had to make a list of Rowan County events that best exemplified whimsical cheer, Kannapolis’ Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express would top it!

Kannapolis kicks off their Christmas season on November 24 with their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Village Park. The event will include live music, entertainment, kids activities and fireworks. This annual celebration kicks off the Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express train that call Village Park home for the holiday season.

Every evening from November 24 to December 30, visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 250,000 Christmas lights hung at Village Park in Kannapolis. View the lights by foot, or hop aboard the Winterland Express train and ride through the park! Carousel rides, s’mores and live performances by Kannapolis Singing Bears fill the night. Of course we know that no holiday event is complete without a sighting of Santa! Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their studio and create ornaments in the Children’s Zone.

The Winterland Express train is open every evening from 11/24/2018 – 12/30/2018 from 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Winterland Express is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights is free. Tickets to ride the train and carousel are $2 per person, per ride.